Description:
The tarka is a duct flute that is a member of the aerophone family of
musical instruments. It has a square-shaped body. The tarka is played
by the Inca and Aymara peoples of Peru and Bolivia. Among the Chipaya
people who reside in the Department of Oruro the correspond sixes of
the tarka which they call the tar pinkayllu are the paj, the cintalla
and qolta. In the Andean Highlands the tarka is played in weddings,
carnival and tinku a form of ritual battle. There is a belief that the
tarka is thought to attract dry weather during performance. There are
available in three size, they include the taika (the largest), the
malta is tuned a fifth a part above the taika. The ch'ili being the
smallest of the instruments. The taika and Ch'ili are tuned an octave
apart from each other. Anatomy of the Tarka: In the construction of the tarka, a square profile is carved when the body is being shaped. A separate piece of wood is carved as the duct and inserted to complete the mouth piece. The labium located just in front of the mouth hole is carved into the flute. Indigenous themes are often carved into the top and sides of the flute where as many are also made plane. Some tarka are painted in very colourful patterns. Traditionally the tarka is played by conjuntos (ensembles) who include the bombo. The tarka is made from orange or pomegranate instead of cane. There are three sizes of the tarka currently exist they include the taika (the largest), the malta is tuned a fifth a part above the taika. The ch'ili being the smallest of the instruments. The taika and Ch'ili are tuned an octave apart from each other.